Emma. A portrait.

There are no words that sufficiently describe the enormous, deep-hearted love I feel for my beautiful niece, Emma Varley.  Yes, gush, gush, gush, but it’s SO TRUE. Emma– an extraordinary woman and mother of 4. Emma– a brilliant medical anthropologist and humanitarian. I love witnessing her life unfold- sadly mainly from afar, but always, always, close…

Contemplating death, loss, hope, acceptance…

Release Leap of faith Acceptance Peace Honorary Karin Roar Life rough on the seas Sacrifice Mother father daughter love Death Release Hope Promise Defence Loss Rose Thorn Thorsen Memorial Cycle Allowance Honor New beginnings Immortal Bud Blossom Farewell Dedicated to my mother Karin September 17, 1936 – November 8, 2008 and my father Roar August…

Inside Out Project: Own Your Journey, Mountainside Pilot Project Week 5 of 5

Recall: LINK: MOUNTAINSIDE SECONDARY: Inside Out Project: Own Your Journey Youth-run initiative using the vehicle of portrait photography and street art to learn life and transferable skills while developing self-empowerment, peer to peer interaction and community connections. THEMES: Connection and Empowerment CO-FACILITATORS: IAN POWELL, KAT THORSEN Pilot Project: September 30, 2014- October 30, 2014 INSPIRED BY OUR…

My retreat journal Part 3 of 6: The Cyclops Goddess

I experienced a life-changing weekend as I co-facilitated Creativity and Connection Retreat October 17-19, 2014 on Bowen Island with Laura Mack at Xenia Retreat.  Here are some journal excerpts so you can get a small glimpse as to how powerful the experience was for me. Recall: PART 1 October 17, 2014 FRIDAY INTO SILENCE PART 2 October…

My retreat journal Part 2 of 6: Into the labyrinth

I experienced a life-changing weekend as I co-facilitated Creativity and Connection Retreat October 17-19, 2014 on Bowen Island with Laura Mack at Xenia Retreat.  Here are some journal excerpts so you can get a small glimpse as to how powerful the experience was for me. Recall: PART 1 October 17, 2014 FRIDAY INTO SILENCE — Part 2 October…

Inside Out: youth empowerment, peer to peer interaction and community connections.

I am so excited to be part of this incredible project inspired by my hero JR: MOUNTAINSIDE SECONDARY: Inside Out Project: Own Your Journey Youth-run initiative using the vehicle of portrait photography and street art to learn life and transferable skills while developing self-empowerment, peer to peer interaction and community connections. THEMES: Connection and Empowerment CO-FACILITATORS:…

Why the need to draw what draws us? #journal #rambling

Why are we drawn to the human face? What draws us in? Why the need to draw what draws us? Why do we fixate on the stare of an eye meeting an eye? Is the draw of the portrait the silence in the glance, the fastidiousness of the stare? The reflection in a mirror- a…

The dying crow.

The other day, I observed, in humbled silence, a vigil being kept by two crows as they watched over their dying companion- holding sacred space as the dying crow lay nestled in the grass.  I was so moved by their attentive eye and compassion.  The two sat high in the trees, taking turns warning and attacking any…

Custom portraits in my signature style.

Custom Portraits 18×24 on newsprint $85.00 USD each (plus shipping)       All portraits [unless otherwise specified] will be shared on my instagram.   The portrait will be completed about 1-3 weeks after payment. How to pay? 3 options: 1. EMAIL TRANSFER VIA YOUR ONLINE BANKING TO: britakatarina@gmail.com 2. via PAYPAL 3. on ETSY Once you have…

Sacred Contracts Journal Exercise Part 6 of 8: PULL BACK TO THE PAST

SACRED CONTRACTS JOURNALING EXERCISE SERIES PART 6 OF 8 PULL BACK TO THE PAST We are tapping into our calling, our purpose, our joy in this SACRED CONTRACTS journal series.  It is inspired by Caroline Myss.  The journal series is  an experiment on my part, and I welcome you to join along. Recall Part 1: Future and Present where…

Sacred Contracts Journal Exercise Part 5 of 8: Throat Chakra

  SACRED CONTRACTS JOURNALING EXERCISE SERIES PART 5 OF 8 THROAT CHAKRA We are tapping into our calling, our purpose, our joy in this SACRED CONTRACTS journal series.  It is inspired by Caroline Myss.  The journal series is  an experiment on my part, and I welcome you to join along. Recall Part 1: Future and Present where we took…

Sacred Contracts Journaling Exercise Part 4b OF 8: SACRED BODY

  SACRED CONTRACTS JOURNALING EXERCISE SERIES PART 4b OF 8 SACRED BODY We are tapping into our calling, our purpose, our joy in this SACRED CONTRACTS journal series.  It is inspired by Caroline Myss.  The journal series is  an experiment on my part, and I welcome you to join along. Recall Part 1: Future and Present where we took…

Art is not about the finished product but about the creative process.

INTERACTIVE ART Art is a powerful tool to facilitate connection and healing.  For me, art is not about the finished product but about the creative process.  Allowing the community to take ownership of the art creates dialogue- an ongoing dynamic that enriches all involved.  On Saturday June 14, 2014, senior residents at Rideau Manor and audience…

Sacred Contracts Journaling Exercise Part 4a of 8: what is your true nature?

SACRED CONTRACTS JOURNALING EXERCISE SERIES PART 4a OF 8 WHAT IS YOUR TRUE NATURE? We are tapping into our calling, our purpose, our joy in this SACRED CONTRACTS journal series.  It is inspired by Caroline Myss.  The journal series is  an experiment on my part, and I welcome you to join along. Recall Part 1: Future and Present where we…

Sacred Contracts Journaling Exercise Part 3 of 8: what masks do we wear?

SACRED CONTRACTS JOURNALING EXERCISE SERIES PART 3 OF 8 WHAT MASKS DO WE WEAR? We are tapping into our calling, our purpose, our joy in this SACRED CONTRACTS journal series.  It is inspired by Caroline Myss.  The journal series is  an experiment on my part, and I welcome you to join along. Recall Part 1: Future and Present where…

Sale ends June 30 Midnight! Portraits in my signature style only $60 CAD!

Portrait Sale! ENDS JUNE 30, 2014 MIDNIGHT 18×24 on newsprint From May 17-June 30, 2014, I have been offering handdrawn portraits in my signature style for only $60.00 CAD each (free shipping within Canada and US) Regular price ranges from $100-$300 Proceeds go towards  Sock Monkey Lifeskills Entrepreneurship Curriculum Development       All portraits [unless otherwise specified] will…

The most beautiful card in the world.

Today was my last session of the Cultural Identity Project with Laura Mathers Grade 8 class. I am so honoured to have worked with such an incredible group of youth. And what a beautiful surprise to receive this hand done card from the students (24 x 43.5 inches):

World Health Day #authorsfestival with @InfluencePub and @chaptersindigo Apr 4-7!

  The Books and Authors featured in the World Heath Day Authors Festival: Cracking the Dementia Code – Karen Tyrell An Unexpected Miracle – Jennifer De Pippo What Patients Don’t Say if Doctors Don’t Ask – Dr. Manon Bolliger Drawn Together – Katarina Thorsen Relentless –Josh Wood Hello Susan, It’s Me, Cancer!– Susan D’Agostino Event…

Does wheatpasting work on a ceiling tile? Hmmm…

I will be facilitating a really exciting Cultural Portrait pilot project at a local high school in a couple of weeks. The plan is for the 30 students to create a street art type ceiling as they explore self and cultural identity. The work is to go on those classic porous school ceiling tiles- you…